News for Restaurants in Washington DC February 2013 Archive

Los Angeles-based Umami Burger is expanding across the country, including Washington, D.C. Adam Fleischman's gourmet burger concept has made a name for itself with signatures like the Umami Burger made with umami ketchup, roasted tomato, shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onions and a Parmesan crisp. For more information, visit www.umami.com.

Eric Rohleder, founder and president of Cordial Fine Wine, opened his first wine shop, called Cordial Fine Wine & Spirits, on February 1. A boutique store, it offers 216 small production artisanal wines and 35 craft beers from around the world: Oregon, Washington, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa, South America and Eastern Europe. Most wines are priced at about $20 or less. Store hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Cordial Fine Wine & Spirits, Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, DC 20002, 202-548-2450.

Minibar's Barmini Carries Big Tabs Located within the new minibar by Jose Andres, this cocktail/bar bites destination reputedly does not offer big bargains. But if you are searching for high-end cocktails and interesting bar snacks, you might find Barmini a great happy hour destination. Check on reservations first before dropping by. Open Tues.-Sat. Barmini, 855 E. St. NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-393-4451.

Oyster-Wine Special Treats Executive chef Dimosthenis "Dimo" Kolouas and general manager Kaine Gish of Tel'Veh Cafe & Wine Bar will debut a new series of oyster classes to be held the first Monday of each month at the restaurant's 12-seat bar. Priced at $35 per person (all inclusive), guests will enjoy eight different varieties of raw oysters (both East Coast and West Coast varietals) followed by two cooked oyster preparations and an oyster shooter. Guests will also receive one glass each of Domaine Chandon Brut and Melon de Bourgogne. Tel'Veh Cafe & Wine Bar, 401 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-758-2929.

Art and Soul ReopensAfter a brief hiatus for some renovations, Art and Soul has reopened with its full-service menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. New menu sections called "For the Table" and "Pots" encourage family-style dining on treats like deviled eggs and pork rinds, and shareable entrées such as seafood gumbo and duck and rice bean stew. The "Bacon Corn Bread," baked and served in a tin can, is also available, as are signature dishes like the fried free-range chicken and waffles. New bar snacks include Cajun boudin balls, a scotch egg, and fried pickled green tomatoes. Beginning March 4 and through March 17, Art and Soul is offering the "Welcome Back, Art and Soul Menu," a three-course $35 dinner option to give guests a taste of the new Art and Soul. Art and Soul, The Liaison Capitol Hill, 415 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-393-7777.

Chinese New Year at ZengoZengo will celebrate Chinese New Year 2013, the Year of the Snake, on the weekends of February 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24, from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Brunch dishes include scallop and bacon gyoza dumplings, which symbolize wealth and luck; crispy skinned Peking duck with flour tortillas, orange coriander sauce, hoisin, leek and pickled cabbage, which symbolize family and good fortune; and pork and shrimp lo mein with crisp pork belly, bell pepper, water chestnut and scallion. Guests can come for brunch and then head to the Chinese New Year Parade and Festival, which will be held on Sunday, February 10, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. on H Street, NW, between 6th and 8th Streets. The event features the traditional Chinese dragon dance, Kung Fu demonstrations, live musical entertainment and firecrackers at 3:45 p.m. Zengo, 781 Seventh St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-393-2929.